Report: Unbeaten Adelaide flex muscles in win over Canberra to kick off rebel Female Football Round

Adelaide United have continued their unbeaten start to the Westfield W-League season after they defeated Canberra United 2-0 to start rebel Female Football Round with a bang at Coopers Stadium.

A strike from Veronica Latsko and an own goal from Natasha Prior either side of half-time was enough to secure all three points for the Reds against a visiting side that struggled to find any rhythm on Thursday night.

The home side dominated possession early but failed to move the ball into the final third, indeed both sides failed to register a shot on goal in during the first 15 minutes.

Canberra slowly grew into the game and they were the first to create a meaningful opportunity, Ellie Carpenter pulling off a brilliant turn to beat her marker but blasted her shot well over the crossbar.

Both teams looked solid defensively without being truly tested with the home side in particular struggling for meaningful possession in dangerous areas.

Good sides find a way however and when Adelaide’s opening goal arrived it was due to some clever play from two key figures.

With 27 minutes on the clock former Canberra stalwart Michelle Heyman stepped up and delivered a sharp cross that found Latsko just outside the six-yard box.

The 22-year old American’s finish was ugly but effective, forcing the ball over the line via her shin.

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the home side gradually wore Canberra down.

The Capital club were continuously stifled by Adelaide’s defence and only managed to register two shots on target during the 90 minutes.

The home side meanwhile went close to adding a second on several occasions but had to wait until the 86th minute to finally seal the result.

Latsko was again involved as her shot drew a sharp save from Sham Khamis only for her block to bounce off Canberra defender Prior and into an empty net.

Adelaide go equal first on the ladder, at least temporarily, while also managing to keep clean sheets across their first three games this season.